Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

GENERIC NAME: phentermine

BRAND NAMES: Adipex-P, Obenix, Suprenza

DISCONTINUED BRANDS: Fastin, Oby-Trim

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Its
exact mechanism of action is unknown. It probably decreases appetite by acting
on centers in the brain that control appetite. Phentermine is similar to
amphetamine. It stimulates the nervous system, elevates blood pressure, and
increases heart rate.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the
short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater
than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors
for heart disease. Phentermine should not be combined with other weight loss
agents. The combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (FEN-PHEN) is associated
with serious heart problems. Fenfluramine is no longer available in the United
States.